Im trying to write a script any tips?

Question

Hi im trying to write some scripts but I just cant seem to get stuff down on paper or if I do I instantly hate it and start again!
Any tips on how to be a good writer and how to get my work out there. (im trying to write for tv,movies and a book somewhere down the line).

Answer 1

You need to understand how a tv script should be laid out as has been suggested; read other scripts. Tv is a special medium- are you thinking of writing a comedy or a drama or a film etc? The best place to go is without a doubt the bbc's writers room. They actually accept material too, but get lots of practice first.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/

Go to the library and get books out on creative writing tips- you may wish to write a novel, but what sort? a thriller/crime? Romance or for children etc. These take quite different approaches. The librarian will help you find them.

You MUST buy the writers and artist yearbook. It comes out yearly. Here you will find everything about getting published and where to send your work- buying a copy of this helped get J K Rowling of Harry Potter fame her first book published.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Writers-Artists-Yearbook-2007-Rankin/dp/0713677120

I also find the magazine writers news and writing magazine really helpful. They sell it in whsmith.
Here is their website:
http://www.writersnews.co.uk/main/default.asp

keep persevering- good luck!

Perhaps see if your local college do courses on creative writing in the evening etc Talking to other people can really help motivate you.

Answer 2

Perhaps read some other scripts to see how they've gone about doing it.

You can find some movie scripts on the net for free. For example, I checked out Panic Room script via the web. It goes to show that Director and Actors really bring a script to life, as whilst script is good (and idea great), you wouldn't have thought the scriptwriter got paid $8 million dollars for the script - which is what he got paid.

Answer 3

Looks like if you are doing a "rough draft of the script" (also known as a spec script), I guess that it is best to try to avoid trite characters. Try to twist ideas, personalities, emotions, in those characters. This will help you better your script. This is important whether the script is 40 pages or the long Hollywood version (about 110-120 pages).

Answer 4

U should write a plan or various plans first stating all the important stages of ur text. From there u will have a structure rigid enough to start u off but also loose enough for u 2 add new ideas. U should read widely to gain inspiration as all works r inspired by something.

Answer 5

I read that good writers write every day. Doesn't matter what, just keep the writing "muscles" working.
Sometimes try stream of consciousness...just put pen to paper and keep going, every little thought that enters your head, keep writing no matter what.

As far as a script goes, witty one liners are good additions

Answer 6

I don't write scripts but I found an excellent book on script writing titled: Successful Script Writing
It shows you how to write and pitch winning scripts for movies, sitcoms, soaps, serials and variety shows.
360 pages
I bought it as a reference and no longer need it. If you are interested I'm listing it on my Yahoo! Group

Answer 7

Don't scrap your efforts. Persevere and edit things once you get them down.
Perhaps you could try writing something shorter, stories / novella's?

There are often amateur writing groups and night classes you could join for proper help, but keep everything you write, then as long as you get the basic ideas down, you can re-write however you like.

Answer 8

I have an idea for a book writing, The set is this, Ones there was a fox. The fox is hungry. fox see a grapes garden. the grapes tree is very long in height. the fox is think......... , the grapes is not sweet. the fox is going on his way. the end.

Answer 9

Try something different e.g. let the bad guy win for a change, or let the scoundrel get the girl. Could be interesting and fun!

Answer 10

I have an idea for a film, its set in space, the dark side against the good guys.